2019 - Best LPN Programs in Connecticut

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Connecticut is a wise choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field in the state. Connecticut has committed to improving patient outcomes by offering numerous schools with LPN programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is projecting a 12% increase in employment for LPNs through the year 2026, making this a great time to consider practical nursing. Connecticut LPNs earn around an hourly wage of $26.74 or annual salary of $55,630, which is roughly $11,600 more per year than national average.

9

3

Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Connecticut? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Connecticut are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 9 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 3 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

Details on Connecticut LPN Schools & Classes

LPN programs in Connecticut can be found throughout the state, in institutions such as community colleges, technical schools, and more. Students can typically complete the entire program in 1-2 years of study, depending on full or part-time enrollment. Upon graduating, students will then take the NCLEX-PN in order to gain licensure.

Common courses found in the LPN curriculum at schools in Connecticut include:

Human Anatomy & Physiology

Nursing Fundamentals

Pharmacology

Mental Health Nursing

Medical-Surgical Nursing

Accreditation

Those considering an LPN program should first and foremost consider how reputable the school and program are. The best way to do this is to check for proper accreditations. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a great national organization to watch out for, and there are regional accrediting bodies as well. The Connecticut Board of Nursing may also be able to steer you toward an approved LPN program.

Admission Requirements

To gain entrance into an LPN program, students should make sure to follow their school of choice’s admission requirements. While these can vary, they usually consist of the following:

High school diploma or GED

Minimum GPA of 2.5

Completion of any prerequisite courses

Must be 18 or older

Tuition and Costs

The complete cost of an LPN program will fluctuate due to things like location, type of school, and other factors. Students will be expected to pay for tuition, any additional program fees, and course materials (textbooks, etc.). For example, the LPN program costs at Porter and Chester Institute are roughly $29,900 for tuition and fees, with an estimated $2,700 more needed for books. Financial aid, student loans, and scholarships are typically available to students who qualify.

Connecticut LPN Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in the state of Connecticut, educational requirements must be met by attending a state-approved nursing program that is comprised of at least 1,500 hours of theory over 10 months. If the student has less than 1,500 hours, he or she can substitute clinical work experience for missing hours. Once coursework is complete, the graduate must sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, along with passing test scores and official transcripts from the state-approved nursing program.

Connecticut LPN licenses expire annually and can be renewed as early as 60 days prior to expiration date.

NCLEX Exam Information

The NCLEX-PN is the official exam that LPN students must pass upon graduating from an approved nursing program. This test consists of a series of general nursing questions broken up into several categories. A detailed overview of the NCLEX-PN can be found here, and students can take the NCLEX-PN practice test to prepare for the actual exam.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

Connecticut does not participate in the National Licensure Compact, so the regulations of the new eNLC do not apply here.

LPNs from out of state can apply for a Connecticut license by endorsement. To do this, the applicant must submit the notarized application form, including:

Official transcript from state-approved nursing program.

Verification of Theory and Clinical Instruction form submitted by the dean of the above school.

Foreign applicants pursing a license in Connecticut must submit approval from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) after full course-by-course review.

LPN Salary in Connecticut By Area

The table below lists career information obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Connecticut. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Top Ranked Connecticut LPN Programs

1

Porter & Chester - Rocky Hill

30 Waterchase Dr, Rocky Hill, CT06067 - (860) 529-2519 -

Porter and Chester Institute (PCI) is located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, with additional campuses in Branford, Enfield, Watertown, and Stratford, as well as four locations in Massachusetts. PCI's philosophy is to educate and prepare students, creating competent practical nurses with excellent job prospects upon graduation.

Overall Score: 97.20

2

Porter & Chester - Enfield

33 Palomba Drive, Enfield, CT06082 - (860) 741-2561 -

Porter and Chester Institute's Enfield campus offers their renowned practical nursing program. PCI seeks to not only educate and train future practical nurses through its 15-month program, but also to create amibitious employees and lifelong learners.

Overall Score: 95.40

3

Lincoln Tech - New Britain

200 John Downey Dr, New Britain, CT06051 - (800) 556-4624 -

Lincoln Technical Institute is located in New Britain, Connecticut, with other campuses located in Hamden, Shelton, Hartford, and East Windsor, as well several other cities across the United States. Hands-on experience is at the forefront of Lincoln Technical Institute's training to help students gain practical, career-intensive nursing skills, preparing them for the jobs of their dreams.